Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch {Paleo, Whole30, Keto}

This Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch {Paleo, Whole30, Keto} is a feast for the senses! Not only is this salad easy to prepare, but it’s also loaded with flavor and texture. The crispy pan-fried chicken tenderloins paired with fresh greens and a zesty cilantro ranch dressing make it perfect for lunch or dinner. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a quick weeknight meal, this salad fits the bill. Get ready to enjoy a deliciously satisfying dish that’s sure to become a favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Addictive Flavor: The combination of spicy buffalo chicken and creamy ranch dressing creates an irresistible taste.
• Easy Preparation: With simple steps and quick cooking time, you can have this salad ready in no time.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize your salad by adding your favorite veggies or swapping the dressing based on your taste.
• Healthy & Nourishing: Packed with wholesome ingredients that align with Paleo, Whole30, and Keto diets.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare components ahead of time for an easy grab-and-go meal during busy weeks.

Tools and Preparation

To create this mouthwatering salad, gather some essential tools that will make the process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Skillet: A good quality skillet ensures even cooking of the chicken for that perfect crispiness.
• Mixing Bowls: Having various sizes helps to mix dressings and ingredients without mess.
• Whisk: Essential for blending dressing ingredients seamlessly for a creamy texture.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 3 cups chopped romaine (or salad greens)
• 3 celery stalks (chopped)
• 1/2 cup shredded cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 large avocado (sliced)
• Thinly sliced red onion (optional)
• 1 lb chicken tenderloins

For the Breading

• 1 large egg (whisked)
• 3/4 cup blanched almond flour
• 1/4 cup tapioca flour (or arrowroot)
• 1 and 1/4 tsp fine grain sea salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

For Frying

• 1/4 cup coconut oil or avocado oil (for frying)

For the Buffalo Sauce

• 1/3 cup Frank’s original hot sauce
• 1/4 cup ghee (melted)

For the Cilantro Ranch Dressing

• 1/2 cup homemade mayo or purchased paleo mayo
• 3 Tbsp coconut milk
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 2 Tbsp cilantro (minced)
• 1 tsp dried chives
• 1/4 tsp dried dill
• 1 tsp fresh lime juice
• 1/8-1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)

For Garnish

• Additional cilantro (for garnish)

How to Make Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch {Paleo, Whole30, Keto}

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

Whisk all the dressing ingredients together in a bowl until nice and smooth. Cover it and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 2: Assemble Salad Ingredients

In a large serving bowl, arrange the salad ingredients, except for the avocado. Slice the avocado right before serving to avoid browning. Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the chicken.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Whisk the egg in a small shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, combine almond flour, tapioca flour, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.

Step 4: Heat Oil in Skillet

Heat a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add oil for frying once sizzling hot.

Step 5: Cook Chicken Tenders

Dip each piece of chicken in the egg mixture first, shaking off excess moisture. Then coat with dry mixture before placing it in the skillet. Repeat until all pieces are cooked.

Step 6: Fry Until Golden Brown

Cook on one side until golden brown—about 3 minutes—adjusting heat if necessary. Turn carefully using tongs to maintain breading integrity. Cook on second side until golden brown inside—approximately 6 minutes total depending on thickness.

Step 7: Cool Chicken

Remove cooked chicken onto a paper towel-lined plate to cool slightly.

Step 8: Make Buffalo Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together hot sauce and melted ghee. Dip each piece of chicken into this sauce to coat well before placing on a cutting board.

Step 9: Serve Salad

Cut chicken into pieces if preferred, then arrange on top of prepared salad. Drizzle any leftover buffalo sauce over everything. Place sliced avocado around the chicken.

Step 10: Enjoy!

Serve immediately with chilled ranch dressing on top or on the side as desired. Enjoy every bite of this delicious crispy buffalo chicken salad!

How to Serve Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch {Paleo, Whole30, Keto}

Serving your Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch can elevate the dining experience. Here are some creative ideas to make this dish even more enjoyable.

For a Colorful Presentation

• Layered in a Jar: Create a beautiful layered salad in mason jars for meal prep or lunch on the go.
• On a Platter: Serve on a large platter for family-style dining, allowing guests to help themselves.

With Extra Toppings

• Crispy Bacon Bits: Add a crunchy texture by sprinkling crispy bacon bits over the top.
• Fresh Herbs: Garnish with additional cilantro or parsley for an aromatic finish.

Accompanied by Dips

• Extra Cilantro Ranch: Serve with extra cilantro ranch on the side for those who love dipping.
• Guacamole: Pair with guacamole for an added layer of flavor and creaminess.

How to Perfect Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch {Paleo, Whole30, Keto}

Perfecting your Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure success.

• Use High-Quality Oils: Choose fresh coconut or avocado oil for frying; they enhance the flavor and maintain health standards.
• Preheat Pan Properly: Make sure your pan is hot enough before adding chicken to achieve that perfect crispy crust.
• Slice Avocado Freshly: Add avocado just before serving to keep it from browning and looking fresh.
• Adjust Spices: Feel free to tweak the spices in the breading mix according to your taste preferences.

Best Side Dishes for Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch {Paleo, Whole30, Keto}

Pairing your salad with the right sides can create a balanced meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Roasted Vegetables: Colorful seasonal veggies roasted until tender add depth and nutrition.
2. Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that pairs well for those following keto or Whole30 diets.
3. Sweet Potato Fries: Baked sweet potato fries offer a sweet contrast to the spicy buffalo chicken.
4. Zucchini Noodles: Light and refreshing, zucchini noodles can be served as a low-carb pasta alternative.
5. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed lightly balances out the heat from the buffalo sauce.
6. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad provides sweetness and bright flavors to complement your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch, it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.

• Using the wrong oil: Choosing an oil with a low smoke point can lead to burnt chicken. Use coconut or avocado oil for frying, as they can withstand high heat without smoking.

• Skipping the cooling step: Allowing the chicken to cool slightly before serving is crucial. If you skip this step, the heat can wilt the salad greens and affect the texture of your dish.

• Not preparing ingredients ahead of time: Failing to chop and prepare all ingredients beforehand can lead to a hectic cooking experience. Take a few minutes to prep all veggies and sauces before starting with the chicken.

• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the tenders for too long can result in dry meat. Monitor cooking times closely and aim for golden brown exteriors while ensuring they’re fully cooked inside.

• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Not tasting and adjusting seasoning for the ranch dressing can lead to blandness. Always taste your dressing and adjust salt or spices as needed for flavor satisfaction.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Keep avocado separate until ready to serve to prevent browning.

Freezing Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch {Paleo, Whole30, Keto}

• Freezing is not recommended for this salad due to its fresh ingredients.
• If you freeze any components, store chicken separately in an airtight container.
• Frozen chicken can last up to 2 months but may lose texture upon thawing.

Reheating Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch {Paleo, Whole30, Keto}

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place chicken on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.

• Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel and heat in short bursts (30 seconds) until warm.

• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil. Warm the chicken for about 3 minutes per side until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the components separately and assemble them right before serving. This keeps everything fresh and crisp.

What can I substitute for ghee in the buffalo sauce?

You can use unsalted butter or coconut oil as alternatives if you prefer a dairy-free option.

How do I make this salad spicier?

To add more heat, consider using additional hot sauce or adding some diced jalapeños directly into the salad mix.

What other vegetables work well in this salad?

Feel free to customize by adding bell peppers, cucumbers, or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and crunch!

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This salad is great for meal prepping; just keep dressings separate from greens until you’re ready to eat.

Final Thoughts

Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep lunches. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spice levels to suit your taste buds. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!